URI Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, Design alumnae in spotlight at STYLEWEEK Northeast

Arianna Nicola, Amy Page DeBlasio featured at prestigious fashion event

Arianna Buonanno adds finishing touches to her model wearing “Arianna Nicola” backstage at STYLEWEEK Northeast, Photo by Angela Wood Photography and Design.

KINGSTON, R.I. – April 1, 2019 – The University of Rhode Island Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design encourages students to reach well beyond the fashion world to see how textiles affect Rhode Island, the region and the world. Those lessons proved critical to the way two alumnae think about fashion and why they were in the spotlight at the recent alumni STYLEWEEK Northeast.

Arianna Buonanno has been featured in publications such as Southern New England Weddings, Rhode Island Monthly: Engaged, Shop in R.I., and The Rhode Show. Her fashion brand, “Arianna Nicola,” which honors her late grandfather, is simple, chic and elegant. She works with all clients one-on-one to create a perfect heirloom gown or accessory.

“We are so lucky to have an organization here in Providence that believes in the power of the state and is helping to forge Rhode Island as a fashion destination and true creative capital,” said Buonanno regarding STYLEWEEK Northeast.

Buonanno graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in textiles, fashion merchandising and design with a minor in art history. The textiles program is part of the College of Business and art history is part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Buonanno attributes her success to the textiles program at URI, which taught her about sewing, pattern work, fashion illustration and design. She earned scholarships within the program and was also featured in its annual Spring Splash Fashion Show.

A model at STYLEWEEK Northeast wearing “Arianna Nicola”. Photo by Angela Wood Photography & Design.

During her career at the University, she participated in the program’s trip to London and Paris with Susan Hannel, the department chair, which led to her enrolling in Sewing 101. That course kicked off her design career.

“I started my URI career in January 2008. I loved everything about the program and took almost every class offered at the time. I loved every second of it and I highly recommend the Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design program for anyone interested in pursuing their passion for design,” said Buonanno.

To see more of Buonanno’s work, visit her website here.

Amy Page DeBlasio closed out STYLEWEEK Northeast with her edgy, urban designs. The Providence native graduated from the University in 2015 with two bachelor’s degrees– one in textiles and the other in Italian.

According to her website, DeBlasio’s brand, APD, can be described as bold and confident. She mixes streetwear and sophistication in a luxurious way.

DeBlasio has been featured in Forbes and Rhode Island Monthly and on The Rhode Show.

To see more of her work, visit her website here.

Alexa Stewart, intern in the Marketing and Communications Department at URI and Public Relations and Communication Studies Major, wrote this press release.